DE102018208480A1 - Fuel delivery unit, fuel delivery system and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A fuel delivery unit 2 for use within a fuel tank of a vehicle is proposed. The fuel delivery unit 2 comprises: a swirl pot 4 for placement on a wall of the fuel tank, wherein a fuel pump for conveying a liquid fuel from the swirl pot 4 is arranged in the swirl pot 4, a flange 6 for placement in an opening of the fuel tank, at least a arranged between the baffle 4 and the flange 6 support 8, - a flexible, acting as a supply line 10 fuel line, which extends from a region of the swirl pot 4 to a connection piece 12 on the flange 6, - a harness 18, which differs from the Fuel pump extends to the flange 6, - at least one flange-side, a first force introduction point forming holding means 24 for flange-side fixation of the wiring harness 18 and at least one baffle-side, forming a second force introduction point holding means 26, 28 for Schwalltopfseitigen fixation of the wiring harness 18Danschanschseitige and sch Wall pot-side holding means 24, 26, 28 form in conjunction with the wiring harness 18, a force receiving device for protecting the flow line 10 and the connecting piece 12 in a vehicle collision. In this case, the length of the harness between the holding means 24, 26, 28 with respect to the length of the supply line 10 is shorter, so that during vehicle collision, through which the swirl pot 4 and the flange 6 move away from each other, the harness length between the holding means 24, 26, 28 under train is adjustable to receive a kinetic energy acting on the fuel delivery unit 2 and thereby dissipate, without the flow line 10 or its associated connection piece 12 on the flange 6 tears off. There is also a fuel delivery system with such a fuel delivery unit and a vehicle with such a fuel delivery system proposed.

Description

The present invention relates to a fuel delivery unit for use within a fuel tank of a vehicle, a fuel delivery system having such a fuel delivery unit, and a vehicle having such a fuel delivery system.

Such a fuel delivery unit comprises, as is known, a surge pot arranged on a wall of a fuel tank, from which a liquid fuel is conveyed by means of a fuel pump to an internal combustion engine, and a flange closing an opening of the fuel tank, which is resiliently biased against the surge pot via at least one support element. This at least one support element, which is joined to the swirl pot and the flange, at the same time forms an anchoring between the swirl pot and the flange.

In a vehicle collision, the fuel tank may deform due to a kinetic energy introduced into it to the fuel delivery unit such that the anchoring between the swirl pot and the flange dissolves. This can result in a fuel supply line leading to the flange or a connecting piece connected to the fuel supply line tearing on the flange. If, in addition, a fuel line leading away from the fuel tank is leaking, the fuel may leak into an environment in a position of a vehicle, for example following a vehicle overturning.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved fuel delivery unit of the type described above.

This object is achieved by claim 1 which protects a fuel delivery unit for use within a fuel tank of a vehicle. There is further provided a fuel delivery system with such a fuel delivery unit under protection (see claim 10). Furthermore, a vehicle is provided with such a fuel delivery unit under protection (see claim 11). Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

• - einen Schwalltopf zur Anordnung an einer Wandung des Kraftstofftanks, wobei im Schwalltopf eine Kraftstoffpumpe zur Förderung eines flüssigen Kraftstoffes aus dem Schwalltopf angeordnet ist,
• - einen Flansch zur Anordnung in einer Öffnung des Kraftstofftanks,
• - mindestens ein zwischen dem Schwalltopf und dem Flansch angeordnetes Abstützelement,
• - eine flexible, als Vorlaufleitung fungierende Kraftstoffleitung, welche sich vom einem Bereich des Schwalltopfs bis zu einem Anschlussstutzen am Flansch erstreckt,
• - einen Kabelbaum, welcher sich von der Kraftstoffpumpe bis zum Flansch erstreckt,
• - mindestens ein flanschseitiges, einen ersten Krafteinleitungspunkt bildendes Haltemittel zur flanschseitigen Fixierung des Kabelbaums sowie
• - mindestens ein schwalltopfseitiges, einen zweiten Krafteinleitungspunkt bildendes Haltemittel zur schwalltopfseitigen Fixierung des Kabelbaums.

A fuel delivery unit for use within a fuel tank of a vehicle is proposed. The fuel delivery unit has in this case:

• a swirl pot for arrangement on a wall of the fuel tank, wherein a fuel pump for conveying a liquid fuel from the swirl pot is arranged in the swirl pot,
• a flange for placement in an opening of the fuel tank,
• at least one support element arranged between the swirl pot and the flange,
• a flexible fuel line acting as a supply line, which extends from a region of the surge chamber to a connecting piece on the flange,
• a wiring harness extending from the fuel pump to the flange,
• - At least one flange-side, a first force introduction point forming holding means for flange-side fixation of the wiring harness and
• - At least one Schwalltopfseitiges, a second force introduction point forming holding means for Schwall pot-side fixation of the wiring harness.

The flange-side and the swirl pot-side holding means form in conjunction with the wiring harness a force receiving device for protecting the flow line and the connecting piece in a vehicle collision. In this case, the harness length between the holding means with respect to the length of the flow line is shorter, so that during vehicle impact, through which the baffle and the flange move away from each other, the harness length between the holding means under train is adjustable to accommodate a force acting on the fuel delivery unit kinetic energy and thereby dissipate, without the supply line or fuel supply line or connected to its connection piece breaks off the flange.

A flange-side and swash-pot-side fixation of the cable harness is to be understood as either a clamping effect of the respective holding means, by which a movement of the wiring harness is prevented relative to the respectively associated force application point, or an effect by which a movement of the wiring harness relative to the respectively associated force application point is difficult.

By the force receiving device, the flow line remains powerless or almost powerless, or it is at least ensured that even after a demolition of at least one of the holding means the flow line is under train adjustable without them or tears off the connection piece connected to the flange because the kinetic Energy is degraded as far as that the remaining kinetic energy is no longer sufficient.

The proposed force absorption device allows the resulting vehicle impact and on the fuel delivery unit absorbing kinetic energy up to a certain limit and thereby reducing it. This limit is dependent on a design of the holding means and the wiring harness. For safety's sake, it is proposed to make the connecting piece on the flange as short as possible in order to reduce a resulting tensile load on the connecting piece.

According to one embodiment, the flange-side and / or the swirl pot-side holding means lie / lie between the electrical connections of the cable harness.

At the same time, a holding means can be fixedly mounted on the swirl pot and / or in a region of the swirl pot in the form of at least one loose connecting element between the cable harness and at least one further fuel line. The loose connection element can in this case e.g. between the wiring harness and a first and second fuel line, wherein the first fuel line connects the fuel pump with a fuel fine filter and wherein the second fuel line connects the fuel pump with a suction jet pump. Also flange side, a holding means may be fixedly mounted on the flange.

According to one embodiment, the holding means fixedly attached to the swirl pot and / or the holding means fixedly attached to the flange may be designed in the form of an integrally formed or clamped, fixing holder, for example as a plastic holder. The holder can have an open or closed profile.

Alternatively, a loose connection element in the form of e.g. a cable tie, a connecting clamp, etc. made of plastic or metal in the sense of a fixedly attached to the swirl pot and / or flange holding means, provided that a corresponding attachment to the swirl pot and / or the flange is provided, such as in the form of an open or closed profile or in the form of recesses, through which such a loose connection element, such as a cable tie, a connection clamp made of plastic or metal and the like can be passed for attachment.

According to a further embodiment, the holding means fixedly attached to the swirl pot can be mounted on a wall of the swirl pot or in a region of the swirl pot, e.g. be provided on a pump holder.

According to a further embodiment, at least two holding means, each forming a force introduction point, can be provided on the flange side and / or swirl pot side, in order to enable a stepped force absorption or energy absorption.

There is also proposed a fuel delivery system with a fuel delivery unit of the type described above.

Further, a vehicle is proposed with such a fuel delivery system, wherein the vehicle may be designed as a pure combustion vehicle or as a partially electric vehicle with an internal combustion engine, which is at least temporarily operable with a liquid fuel.

Under a vehicle is to understand any type of vehicle, which must be supplied for operation with a liquid fuel, but especially passenger cars and / or commercial vehicles.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer vorgeschlagenen, ersten Ausgestaltung einer Kraftstofffördereinheit,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer vorgeschlagenen, zweiten Ausgestaltung einer Kraftstofffördereinheit,
• 3a eine erste perspektivische Ansicht einer vorgeschlagenen Kraftstofffördereinheit,
• 3b die in 3a gezeigte Kraftstofffördereinheit in einer zweiten perspektivischen Ansicht,
• 4a eine erste perspektivische Ansicht einer den Flansch der in 3 (3a und 3b) gezeigten Kraftstofffördereinheit umfassenden Baugruppe,
• 4b die in der 4a gezeigte Baugruppe in einer zweiten perspektivischen Ansicht,
• 5a eine perspektivische Ansicht des Flansches der in 4 (4a und 4b) gezeigten Baugruppe,
• 5b eine Draufsicht des in 5a gezeigten Flansches,
• 5c eine Schnittansicht des in 5b gezeigten Flansches entlang der Schnittlinie A - A und
• 5d eine vergrößerte Darstellung des in 5c markierten Bereiches Z.

In the following, the invention will be explained in detail with reference to figure representations. From the subclaims and the following detailed description of proposed embodiments, further advantageous developments of the invention result. Show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a proposed, first embodiment of a fuel delivery unit,
• 2 a schematic representation of a proposed second embodiment of a fuel delivery unit,
• 3a a first perspective view of a proposed fuel delivery unit,
• 3b in the 3a shown fuel delivery unit in a second perspective view,
• 4a a first perspective view of the flange of in 3 ( 3a and 3b) assembly shown comprising fuel delivery unit,
• 4b the in the 4a shown assembly in a second perspective view,
• 5a a perspective view of the flange of in 4 ( 4a and 4b) shown assembly,
• 5b a top view of the in 5a shown flange,
• 5c a sectional view of the in 5b shown flange along the cutting line A - A and
• 5d an enlarged view of the in 5c marked area Z ,

Identical or equivalent features are denoted by the same reference numerals across all figures.

The fuel delivery unit 2 after 1 includes a - belonging to a first assembly - swirl pot 4 and a - belonging to a second assembly - flange 6 , the opposite of the swirl pot 4 for example, two support elements 8th is resiliently biased, with only one of the two support elements 8th is illustrated. While both the swirl pot 4 as well as the flange 6 for cost and weight reasons are expediently injected from a plastic, the respective support element 8th comprise a metal rod or plastic rod surrounded by a spring, which as such with the swirl pot 4 and the flange 6 is joined and at the same time an anchorage between the Schwalltopf 4 and the flange 6 forms. Instead of the metal rod or plastic rod and a metal tube or plastic tube may be provided.

In the swirl pot 4 is arranged a fuel pump, which is a liquid fuel from the swirl pot 4 via a pressure regulator and / or a fuel fine filter, which is or are arranged in the flow direction of the fuel behind the fuel pump or are in a flexible flow line 10 promotes and over which the fuel continues to flow to an internal combustion engine. From an area of the swirl pot 4 extends the supply line 10 from a connection piece formed on the pressure regulator or fuel filter to one on the flange 6 molded connection piece 12 , From an area of the swirl pot 4 further extends a wiring harness 18 to the flange 6 where the wiring harness 18 the fuel pump connects with flange-side electrical contacts. The wiring harness 18 is on the one hand by means of a pump connector 20 on the fuel pump and on the other hand by means of a flange plug 22 on the flange 6 plugged in. However, the use of such connectors is not essential to the invention. Rather, these electrical connections can also be different, so for example by means of so-called. Screw terminals and the like can be realized more. The wiring harness 18 includes two or three power lines depending on the type of pump ( U . V . W ) and possibly a ground line (not shown here) or grounding line for supplying a two-phase or three-phase, electronically commutated DC motor or AC motor.

After 1 is an example hook-shaped plastic holder 24 on the flange 6 for flange-side fixation of the wiring harness 18 intended. The plastic holder 24 can do this in the flange 6 clamped inserted or on the flange 6 be formed by a corresponding encapsulation. The plastic holder can basically have an open or closed profile. When the profile is closed, only make sure that the pump plug 20 - If such a pump connector is used - can be passed through the profile. The plastic holder 24 is at least partially executed so tight that the wiring harness 18 in a corresponding recording A (see. 5d ) can be fixed by clamping (see 3 . 4 and 5 ). From this recording A is the wiring harness 18 guided down to the fuel pump.

Schwalltopfseitig, however, is the wiring harness 18 by means of a loose connecting element, for example in the form of a cable tie 26 - made of plastic or metal - against a flexible fuel line 14 and a flexible fuel line 16 fixed. The fuel line connects 14 the fuel pump with the pressure regulator or fuel filter, whereas the fuel line 16 connects the fuel pump with a suction jet pump, which is arranged in the flow direction of the fuel behind the fuel pump. But at least the fixation of the wiring harness takes place 18 opposite one of these two fuel lines 14 . 16 ,

Such a cable tie is a universally applicable and inexpensive connection element. As an alternative to the cable tie, other loose connection elements could be provided, which are suitable for such a swamp pot-side fixation of the wiring harness 18 suitable, such as a plastic clamp or metal clamp and the like.

Basically, also for flange-side fixation of the wiring harness 18 a loose connection element of the type described above are used, provided on the flange 6 a corresponding mounting option is provided, such as in the form of an open or closed profile or in the form of recesses in the flange 6 , by which such a loose connecting element, such as a cable tie, a connecting clip made of plastic or metal and the like can be passed for attachment.

In contrast to 1 sees the fuel delivery unit 2 after 2 an example hook-shaped plastic holder 28 at one the fuel pump 19 receiving pump holder 30 inside the baffle pot 4 in front. The pump holder 30 can do it with the swirl pot 4 joined or in one piece with the swirl pot 4 be splashed. Also, it is true that such a plastic holder can basically have an open or closed profile, as long as it is ensured only when the closed profile that the pump connector 20 - If such a pump connector is used - can be passed through the profile. The plastic holder 28 can do this in the pump holder 30 clamped inserted or on the pump holder 30 be formed by a corresponding encapsulation.

Instead of the hook-shaped plastic holder on the pump holder (according to 2 ) can also be provided only a loose connection element of the type described above (analogous to 1 ) if the pump holder a corresponding mounting option is provided, such as in the form of an open or closed profile or in the form of recesses through which such a loose connection element, such as a plastic or metal cable tie and the like can be passed for attachment. The pump holder 30 is only an example of a possible location for fixation in the baffle pot 4 to understand. Just as well could the wiring harness 18 also directly on the wall of the Schwalltopfes 4 be fixed.

According to another - not illustrated by the figures - embodiment of the harness can Schwall pot side on the one hand - analogous to 1 - By means of a loose connection element opposite at least one of the two flexible fuel lines 14 . 16 , but preferably opposite to both fuel lines 14 . 16 be clamped fixed and on the other hand also directly or indirectly on the swirl pot 4 , for example, on the pump holder analogous to 2 , As a result, a kinetic energy arising as a result of a vehicle collision and acting on the fuel delivery unit can be received and removed in a staged manner on the side of the swirl pot.

It should be expressly made clear at this point that the above-described force introduction points or the holding introduction points forming the force introduction points are to be understood as meaning those which lie between the electrical connections of the cable harness and thus form separate force introduction points or holding means. At least, however, is such a separate force application point or such a separate holding means between the electrical terminals of the wiring harness.

According to a further embodiment, the electrical connections of the cable harness may already be designed such that they function in the sense of the force introduction points or holding means described above.

The 3 ( 3a . 3b) . 4 ( 4a . 4b) , and 5 ( 5a to 5d ) illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a flange 6 arranged hook-shaped plastic holder 24 who have such a close shot A (see 5d ) for the wiring harness 18 forms that the wiring harness 18 fixes according to clamping. The 5c and 5d illustrate a sectional view through the flange 6 and the plastic holder 24 along the cutting line A - A , where the cut is approximately centered by the plastic holder 24 runs. To see are two projecting and opposing clamping ribs 32 the recording A , which the clamping fixation of the wiring harness 18 cause (see 5d ).

All embodiments described above are based on the following force absorption effect:

The flange-side and the swamp pot-side holding means 24 . 26 . 28 form in conjunction with the wiring harness 18 a kind of force-absorbing device to protect the flow line 10 and the connecting piece 12 in a vehicle impact, in which a fuel tank due to a kinetic energy introduced into it up to the fuel delivery unit accommodated therein 2 deformed so much that the anchoring between the swirl pot 4 and the flange 6 solves. The swirl pot 4 and the flange 6 move away from each other.

The fixing acting holding means 24 . 26 . 28 define an extending between them harness length, compared to the length of the flow line 10 shorter, so in the scenario described above, in which the surge pot 4 and the flange 6 Move away from each other, the harness length between the holding means 24 . 26 . 28 under train is adjustable to one on the fuel delivery unit 2 absorbing kinetic energy and thereby reduce, without the flow line 10 or the connecting piece connected to it 12 on the flange 6 interrupted.

The supply line 10 it remains rather powerless or at least ensured that even after a demolition of at least one of the retaining means 24 . 26 . 28 the supply line can be adjusted under train without it or the connecting piece connected to it 12 on the flange 6 breaks off, because the kinetic energy is degraded so far that the remaining kinetic energy is no longer sufficient for this.

Thus, a kinetic energy generated in a vehicle collision and acting on the fuel delivery unit can be absorbed and released to a certain limit, this limit depending on a tensile strength of the holding means and the wiring harness.

Although exemplary embodiments have been explained in the foregoing description, it should be understood that a variety of modifications are possible. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples that are not intended to limit the scope, applications and construction in any way. Rather, the expert is given by the preceding description, a guide for the implementation of at least one exemplary embodiment, with various changes, in particular with regard to the function and arrangement of the components described, can be made without departing from the scope, as it turns out according to the claims and these equivalent combinations of features.

Claims (12)

A fuel delivery unit (2) for use within a fuel tank of a vehicle, comprising: a swirl pot (4) for arrangement on a wall of the fuel tank, wherein a fuel pump for conveying a liquid fuel from the swirl pot (4) is arranged in the swirl pot (4), a flange (6) for placement in an opening of the fuel tank, at least one support element (8) arranged between the swirl pot (4) and the flange (6), - A flexible, as a flow line (10) acting fuel line which extends from a portion of the swirl pot (4) to a connection piece (12) on the flange (6), a wiring harness (18) extending from the fuel pump to the flange (6), - At least one flange-side, a first force introduction point forming holding means (24) for flange-side fixation of the wiring harness (18) and - At least one baffle-side, a second force introduction point forming holding means (26, 28) for butt-side fixation of the wiring harness (18), wherein the flange-side and the baffle-side holding means (24, 26, 28) in conjunction with the wiring harness (18) a force receiving device for protection the supply line (10) and the connecting piece (12) form in a vehicle collision, wherein the harness length between the holding means (24, 26, 28) compared to the length of the supply line (10) is shorter, so that the vehicle impact, through which the swirl pot (4) and the flange (6) move away from each other, the harness length between the holding means (24, 26, 28) under train is adjustable to receive a force acting on the fuel delivery unit (2) kinetic energy and thereby degrade without the flow line ( 10) or the associated connection piece (12) on the flange (6) breaks off. Fuel delivery unit (2) after Claim 1 wherein the flange-side and / or the swamp pot-side holding means (24, 26, 28) between the electrical terminals of the wiring harness (18) lie. Fuel delivery unit (2) after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein a holding means (22) is fixedly mounted on the swirl pot (4) and / or in a region of the swirl pot in the form of at least one loose connecting element between the cable harness (16) and at least one further fuel line (14, 16). Fuel delivery unit (2) after Claim 3 wherein the loose connection element is mounted between the wiring harness (16) and first and second fuel lines (14, 16), the first fuel line (14) connecting the fuel pump to a pressure regulator or fuel filter, and wherein the second fuel line (16) connects the fuel pump with a suction jet pump. Fuel delivery unit (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , wherein flange-side holding means (24) is fixedly mounted on the flange (6). Fuel delivery unit (2) according to one of Claims 3 to 5 , Wherein the retaining means (28) fixedly attached to the swirl pot (4) and / or the holding means (24) fixedly attached to the flange (6) is / are formed in the form of an integrally formed or clamped holder, in particular a plastic holder. Fuel delivery unit (2) after Claim 6 wherein the swamp pot side holder is provided on a wall of the swirl pot (4) or in a region of the swirl pot (4) on a pump holder. Fuel delivery unit (2) according to one of the preceding Claims 3 to 7 , wherein the loose connection element is a cable tie. Fuel delivery unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange side and / or Schwall pot side at least two, each one force introduction point forming holding means (26, 28) are provided for the stepped power absorption. Fuel delivery system with a fuel delivery unit (2) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle with a fuel delivery system Claim 10 , Vehicle after Claim 11 wherein the vehicle is designed as a pure combustion vehicle or as a partially electric vehicle, which is at least temporarily operable with a liquid fuel.

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